Is this normal for almost 12 weeks post breast augmentation? (Photo)

Question

My left breast has a strange shape to it and maybe an indent in the inner cleavage area. Does this look normal? I'll be 12 weeks post op on Tuesday. Am I overanalyzing my breasts? I feel like my right one is perfect.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear runner,   Thanks for submitting your before and after pictures. From observing your pictures, your pre operative left IMF (infra mammary fold)  is lower than your right IMF. In the post operative picture it is in reverse, the left IMF is higher than the right one. 3 months after surgery, that condition is usually due to capsule contracture.   I do not know if your are doing implants displacement massage. This is routine in my practice and is recommended for 1 year. At 3 months time, the massage can still be effective and lower the left IMF. If after 2-3 months of massage,  your condition does not improve , you might need to have capsulotomy or capsulectomy according to the severity of the capsule contracture.   Your best option is to discuss it with your surgeon and let him handle your care.                   Best of luck,                                Dr Widder

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  It appears that you have an acceptable result from the breast augmentation procedure.  It could very well be that what you are noticing is a something that was present before but has become accentuated by undergoing the breast augmentation.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

My best advice would be for you to schedule an appointment with your surgeon to discuss your results and whether or not revision surgery is worth it for you.My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question .3 months post op is too early to talk about results. In my practice, after performing a BA I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense. In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow the formation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling.Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs and I can see your area of concern.  After placement of implants, the overall appearance of your breasts will change dramatically over the next several months, as the implants drop, and the overlying tissues stretch to accommodate the extra volume.  I know waiting is difficult, but judge your results at 4-6 months after surgery as all of your breast changes should have occurred by then.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The two breasts commonly heal quite differently. One breast may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or have a different initial shape. After complete healing, they will be more similar and natural. You must have patience, but if this causes concern, ask questions of the doctor or the nursing staff.The final shape of your breasts will start to look its best approximately three (3) months after surgery. It takes time for the skin and muscle to stretch and relax around the new implant. The breast will often look higher, firmer, and “less natural” in the first three (3) months. It can take up to a year to see your final result. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions and heal well and evaluate your result after a few months.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

At 12 weeks after surgery it does appear as if your left breast is different from the other side.  It is possible that things will improve with more time.  If it doesn't it would suggest that the left pocket was underdissected or the pectoralis muscle was not completely released.  Another consideration could be that you have some degree of capsular contracture on the left side.  Please continue to see your surgeon who can best advise you.Aloha,Shim Ching, MD

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

At 12 weeks postoperatively you are approaching the 3 month point at which your implants should largely have settled into position.  You may still see changes in your breast aesthetic up to 6 months postoperatively as well.  Obviously this forum is no substitute for an in-person examination so it is important for you to relay your concerns to your surgeon who knows you and the specifics of your procedure best.  From your photos, it appears that you did have some preoperative asymmetry which may in part explain any lingering asymmetry after surgery.  Beyond that, there are different possibilities that might explain your asymmetry that would require an examination to sort out.  These might include incomplete muscle release (if your implants were placed under the muscle), capsular contracture, asymmetric pocket dissection, etc.  Ultimately, it is your decision on how pleased you are with your result.  A discussion on what if anything can be done to correct asymmetries it is certainly warranted if you are dissatisfied.  Good luck!

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Overall, you look great!If you look closely at your pre-op photo you'll notice that you had breast asymmetry to begin with, and your medial left breast border was not as sharp as the right side. I think this explains the post-operative asymmetry that you have.Thanks for sharing!

Robert J. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Though I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon, I wouldn't worry about the indent for several reasons:
Overall, you have a beautiful result. (This is the most important reason.)You are not completely healed. It's amazing how many of these little indents take care of themselves with time.It's unlikely that your surgeon did not adequately release the muscle in that location. More likely is that the indent reflects an asymmetry of the muscle itself either in thickness or positioning.Even if the indent persists, it would probably be overkill to return to the O.R. to attempt to modify an already excellent result.
Hope this helps.

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